U-17 World Cup Begins in India

A view of a giant football installed at a Guwahati roundabout ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 (Photo: IANS)

Two-time champions Ghana defeated Colombia 1-0 in the opening Match of Group A at the FIFA U-17 World Cup here in New Delhi….reports Asian Lite News

A view of a giant football installed at a Guwahati roundabout ahead of the FIFA U-17 World Cup India 2017 (Photo: IANS)

Sadiq Ibrahim scored the only goal of the game in the 39th minute to give Ghana three points for the win.

The boys from Africa seemed more at ease in the hot and humid conditions than their Colombian counterparts. Despite the stifling heat, the two-time champions produced impressive pace which troubled the Colombian defence on several occasions.

Both teams created plenty of scoring chances although Ghana enjoyed the upper hand.

Ghana had the first clear chance in the 15th minute when Sadiq powered a diagonal long ranger from the left wing which was blocked by Colombia goalkeeper Kevin Mier at his near post.

Colombia struck back at the other end with an effort going inches wide of the post. A couple of minutes later, Colombia’s Leandro Campaz made a solo run, dribbling past the Ghana defence before his shot was blocked by goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim.

Ghana missed a sure goal in the 26th minute when an unmarked Sadiq headed a cross from the left by Eric Ayiah over the bar from the edge of the six yard box.

Sadiq did manage to find the net in the very next minute but the goal was ruled offside.

FIFA U-17 World Cup Trophy during the curtain raiser function of FIFA Under 17 World Cup 2017 at Dr DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai (Photo: IANS)

The hunt for the opening goal ended in the 39th minute off a fast counter attack when Ayiah placed a pass across the mouth of the goal and Sadiq tapped in at the far post.

Sadiq created another entertaining piece of football when he dribbled past Colombia defender Juan Penaloza and barged into the penalty box from the right before producing a back pass which was powered over the bar by Mohammed Kudus.

Emmanuel Toku created another chance for the Africans in the 73rd minute when his through into the Colombia penalty box found Eric Ayah whose attempt was blocked by Mier.

Mier was forced to make another save a couple of minutes later when he kept out Mohammed Aminu’s shot at his near post.

Colombia almost found the equaliser off a counter attack in the 81st minute when left winger Deiber Caicedo latched on to pass from the midfield and made a speedy run into the Ghana penalty box.

His shot beat Ghana goalkeeper Danlad Ibrahim but was inches wide of the post.

Unfortunately for the South Americans, that was the last chance they would manage in this game as Ghana started their bid for a third title on a winning note.

The Group A opener recorded low attendance at the Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) stadium here on Friday.

The match between the South American giants and the African powerhouse kicked-off in front of nearly empty stands with school children who have been brought in by the organisers for the occasion making up most of the sparse crowd.

The stadium which has a capacity of holding nearly 60,000 spectators gradually filled up as the match progressed with more and more school children trooping in.

Colombia, who secured their World Cup berth by virtue of their third-placed finish at this year’s South American U-17 Championship are making their sixth appearance in the tournament.

Ghana, nicknamed the Black Starlets, are making their ninth appearances in the U-17 World Cup. They won the championship in 1991 and 1995.

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